Edinburgh is the capital of Scotland, located in the east-central part of the country, on the south coast of the Firth of Forth. The city is the main center of the administrative unit of Edinburgh, the historic capital of Edinburghshire. It is also the seat of the Scottish Parliament.
Sightseeing
Edinburgh Castle
Edinburgh Castle is an old fort situated on Castle Rock. Currently, it is the symbol of the city and the most visited attraction. The castle overlooks the city from the top of Castle Hill and offers stunning views of Edinburgh’s historic city centre. Visitors will need several hours to visit this beautiful fortress.
Holyrood Palace
The Palace of Holyroodhouse is the official residence of the Monarchy in Scotland. Founded as a monastery in 1128 at the end of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh, the Palace of Holyroodhouse has a close association with the History of Scotland. Today, the Palace is a close focus for national celebrations and events in Scotland, most notably the Monarch’s ‘Holyrood Week’, which usually runs from the end of June to the beginning of July every year.
National Museum of Scotland
The National Museum of Scotland is located in Chambers Street, Edinburgh, in the Old Town area of the city. The National Museum was established in 2006, merging with the new Museum of Scotland and the Royal Scottish Museum. The museum combines a modern building which opened in 1998, with the former Royal Museum, which opened in 1866.
There are a vast number of collections within the museum, which is located on a number of floors. Collections relate to archaeology, geology, natural history, geology, science, technology and art.
Royal Mile
The Royal Mile is a famous street in the center of Edinburgh, leading from the Castle to Holyrood Abbey and Palace. It consists of Castle Hill, Lawnmarket, High Street and Canongate. The Royal Mile forms the main route of Edinburgh’s old town. It is located on the ridge of a volcanic mountain, on the top of which there is a castle.
St. Cathedral Giles in Edinburgh
St Giles’ Cathedral lies on Edinburgh’s Royal Mile about two thirds of the way up from the Palace of Holyroodhouse to Edinburgh Castle. For the better part of a thousand years St Giles’ has been at the physical and spiritual heart of Scotland’s capital city and many key moments in history have been played out in or around it.
Although founded in about 1130, St Giles’ central role in Edinburgh’s life has subjected it to more change than seen in most churches. As a result, most of the exterior dates back to a remodelling in the years to 1833. And the interior you see today comes from a restoration completed in 1883.
The Scotch Whisky Experience
The Scotch Whiskey Experience in Edinburgh will take you on a journey during which you will discover the secrets of Scotch whisky. The tour has several stages, and the first one is a journey in a wooden barrel through a virtual distillery, where the process of artificial Scotch whiskey is presented. Here we will learn about the materials that are needed to access the Internet and the process of striking it during production.
In the next stage, you watch a panoramic film about Scotland and its lands where there are whiskey distilleries. This is a trip to the furthest corners of Scotland, during which you will learn the differences in the taste and smell of whiskey from different regions of Scotland.
After the film, you can learn more about the history of whiskey and the difference between single malt, single grain and blended whisky. At this stage you can also taste one type of Scotch of your choice. Something extraordinary has been prepared at the end of The Scotch Whiskey Experience. This is an opportunity to see the largest Scotch collection in the world. These collections include nearly 4,000 unopened bottles of whiskey.
Scott Monument
The Scott Monument stands as a towering tribute to one of Scotland’s literares, Sir Walter Scott. Designed in 1846, this Gothic masterpiece is a fitting tribute to the man who reshaped the landscape of Scottish literature. Its intricate design and soaring spire have made it an iconic landmark in the heart of Edinburgh.
Following Scott’s death in 1832, money was raised by public donations to build a suitable memorial. The monument is a 5-tiered spire on an arched base, where a statue of Sir Walter Scott sits, wrapped in Border plaid, with his dog Maida.
Princes Street Gardens
Also worth a visit is Princes Street Gardens, a large public park that lies on the south side of Princes Street, opposite the main shops and cafes. It is divided into East Princes Street Gardens and West Princes Street Gardens, which are located next to each other on either side of the Mound. This green space is perfect for walking around the city center, picnicking and sightseeing. With several statues, monuments and interesting places worth paying attention to.
Arthur’s Seat
Arthur’s Seat is the main peak in Holyrood Park, a large public park at the foot of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. Formed from an extinct volcano, from a distance the peak looks like a lion’s head lying down. As it is so close to Edinburgh Old Town, it is a popular hike with beautiful views of the Edinburgh countryside and the Firth of Forth from the breezy summit. The paths in the park are well maintained by Historic Environment Scotland. Park Rangers also conduct public tours of the park throughout the year, open to all ages, abilities and knowledge levels.
Dean Village
Arthur’s Seat is the main peak in Holyrood Park, a large public park at the foot of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh. Formed from an extinct volcano, from a distance the peak looks like a lion’s head lying down.
As it is so close to Edinburgh Old Town, it is a popular hike with beautiful views of the Edinburgh countryside and the Firth of Forth from the breezy summit. The paths in the park are well maintained by Historic Environment Scotland. Park Rangers also conduct public tours of the park throughout the year, open to all ages, abilities and knowledge levels.
HMY Britannia Edinburgh
For 44 years, the Royal Yacht Britannia (HMY Britannia) carried the British royal family across the high seas to destinations near and far. After retiring in 1997, the vessel took up a permanent residency at the historic port of Leith in Edinburgh, where curious visitors now come to find out more about royal life at sea.
Camera Obscura & World of Illusions
Many tourists taking a trip along the Royal Mile, an important thoroughfare that cuts through the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town, will see the historic 19th-century Camera Obscura building. To access Camera Obscura and the World of Illusions, tickets must be purchased at the door on the day of your visit. World of Illusions exhibits include the Mirror Maze and the Vortex Tunnel. Tickets also include access to a 15-minute Camera Obscura show and a rooftop terrace. Experience exciting and unforgettable experiences.
